5/31/17 – Go Green this Ramadan

What is the point of the physical act of fasting if our actions and words go unchanged? Here are some ways to “Go Green” this Ramadan!

1. Share food with your neighbor – Invite your neighbors to enjoy a meal with you in the evenings as you open your fast. Sharing food with your neighbor and being kind to your neighbor might bring them closer to Islam. Remember actions speak louder than words. Abdullah ibn `Abbas reported that the Prophet said, “The believer is not he who eats his fill while his neighbor is hungry.”

2. Don’t waste food – Package any unfinished food in eco-friendly wrapping and give the food to a homeless person on the street, an elderly neighbor who has trouble leaving home, or a family you know is often extremely busy.

3. Don’t waste water– Be mindful of the time spent showering, never leave the sink running while not in use, keep a watchful eye while making wuduu’. The Prophet (s.a.w) was said to not waste water even when doing wuduu’.

4. Plant trees – Purchase seeds from local nurseries or garden stores and plant trees in parks, around the mosque, or near your home to improve the ecosystem “If the Hour (the day of Resurrection is about to be established and one of you was holding a palm shoot, let him take advantage of even one second before the Hour is established to plant it.” –Al-Albani. The Prophet said “if a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for him.”- Imam Bukhari

5. Recycle materials such as plastic – If your home and mosque do not already have a recycling system set up, lead the way to develop a plan for recycling— especially materials made of plastic

6. Don’t use Styrofoam cups and plates – When using disposable dishware, only use ecofriendly plates and cups that are biodegradable, especially for masjid iftaars as the usage adds up day by day!

7. Ask for the Khutbah to be about conserving our environment – Take the lead in bringing this kind of education to the community. You can even prepare a sheet about tips & tricks to make homes and businesses more eco-friendly.

8. Use energy saver bulbs – Replaces the bulbs in your home and mosque to produce light in the most eco-friendly way. If your local mosque has not already implemented this, take the initiative to replace all light bulbs.

9. Organize masjid clean up days – Collaborate with members to facilitate a day of cleaning, including the outside and inside of the masjid—eliminate any health concerns that may be surrounding the masjid.

10. Post conservation reminders around the Masjid – Post simple signs around the masjid to remind members to join in on this “green” campaign and keep the ideas flowing, even long past Ramadan ends! Implement a plan for sustainability for your masjid for the long-term.